Life Fit with Laura Lewis: MUFA over bad fat ... here comes the good stuff
Being Life Fit is about your total health, including the health of all of your relationships. Life Fit is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Check in each Tuesday to Life Fit with Laura Lewis, author of "52 Ways To A Healthy You," as we explore our total life fitness. Then, weigh in with your own thoughts over at Laura's "Life Fit Chat" each Wednesday and Thursday for further discussion on the week's topic. For more information visit Laura at www.LauraLewis.com.Did you know it is not just what you eat, but your attitude about what you eat that helps you trim down? Monounsaturated fats, also known as MUFAs originate in healthy oils found in plant foods such as olives, nuts, and avocado. Research suggests that a diet rich in MUFAs assist in weight loss without restricting caloric intake. And what's more, a MUFA-rich breakfast actually boosts the number of calories burned within the first five hours after the meal -- particularly in folks with extra belly fat. But wait, it gets better ... not only do MUFAs assist in the prevention and control of Type II diabetes, they also reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and boosting the good cholesterol levels (HDL). MUFAs even assist in reducing the signs of aging. Move over bacon and pass me more MUFAs!
Eat Your Way Thin Tips:
Eat Your Way Thin Tips:
- Eat a MUFA at every meal. Read more to learn about the Fabulous Five Flat Belly Foods.
- Set a calorie goal and stick to it. The best way to keep your metabolism running at an optimal speed is to consume four 400-calorie meals each day.
- Eat frequently. Manage your blood sugar, mood and energy by eating at least once every four to five hours.
- Eat smart. Don't skip carbohydrates, as they are essential for proper energy and fiber intake, but do eat complex carbohydrates in lieu of refined (white) carbs.
Think Your Way Thin Tips:
- Be the master of your mind. Keep your stress in check by managing your thoughts and your responses to environmental and social stimuli. Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which is known for its hunger stimulating properties. When cortisol is high, extra fat tends to gather around the belly.
- Allow yourself to ask for help. We left Superwoman behind in the 20th century. Today's modern woman is not shy about asking for help. Research shows that people who maintain permanent weight loss have a strong network of support. We all need emotional support. Don't be too proud to ask for it.
- Do a hunger check. Make a point to avoid emotional eating. Emotional eating tends to have a negative connotation making people hesitant to own up to the label. Not all emotional eating is originates from sadness, anxiety or stress. Emotional eating is also social eating. We eat when we are happy. We celebrate with food and alcohol. We treat ourselves with sweets. Be cognizant of your emotional eating habits. A general rule of thumb is that if you have eaten within two to three hours, you probably are not physically hunger, but emotionally hungry.
- Have an attitude of gratitude. Keep a positive attitude about food. There are no bad foods, only foods you should eat more frequently and foods you should eat less frequently. Always be mindful of where your food originated and the labor involved in bringing it to you. Give a silent acknowledgment to the workers who made your meal possible and experience the gratitude for the energy and nourishment this food brings to you.
Starbucks revamps its breakfast menu
Fructose makes you fat
10 top foods for a good night's sleep
